Scripture reading – John 15
Remember that the setting for our current study in the Gospel of John is Christ’s last observance of the Passover with His disciples. It was Thursday night, and Judas left the table where he was sitting and went into the night to betray our Lord into the hands of His enemies (John 13:24-30).
After Judas departed, Jesus foretold that He was leaving and commanded His disciples to “love one another,” saying, “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples if ye have love one to another” (John 13:34-35). Peter protested, “Lord, why cannot I follow thee now? I will lay down my life for thy sake” (John 13:37). Jesus, however, answered Peter and predicted that he would deny Him three times before the cock crowed at sunrise (John 13:38).
What a fateful night! The disciples had followed Jesus, expecting Him to establish an earthly kingdom! Instead, He foretold a night of betrayal, denial, and His departure. Understanding their disbelief and sorrow, Jesus comforted His disciples’ fears and promised that though He was going away, He would “come again to receive [them] unto [Himself]” (John 14:3). In His absence, Jesus promised His heavenly Father would send “the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost… [to] teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you” (John 14:26).
John 15
The last words of a departing or dying loved one are significant and worth remembering and cherishing. Indeed, that was true for the disciples who sensed the gravity in Christ’s words and voice. John 15-17 chronicled Jesus’ last conversation with the Twelve before they traveled to the Garden of Gethsemane, where He would be betrayed (John 17:1).
For today’s study, I suggest four keywords that might serve as a simple outline of today’s Scripture reading: Fruit (John 15:1-8). Love (John 15:9-17). Hate (John 15:18-25). Comforter (John 18:26-27). Our Bible study will focus on only the first: Fruit (John 15:1-8)
The Vine, Branches, and Fruit (John 15:1-6)
Employing the familiar scene of a vineyard as an allegory, Jesus said plainly, “1I am the true vine, and my [heavenly] Father is the husbandman [the vinedressers or Master of the vineyard]…. 5I am the vine, ye [believers] are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing” (John 15:1, 5).
Christ’s arrest, betrayal, and death would test the disciples’ faith. They would soon face a future without Him. They had enjoyed Christ’s daily presence, fellowship, and ministry for three and a half years. However, their world would be torn asunder within a few hours, and each must determine whether they would abide in Christ.
The disciples who continued in faith and remained like branches connected to the vine (Jesus Christ) were promised their lives would bear “much fruit” (John 15:5). However, Christ cautioned, “Without me ye can do nothing” (John 15:5). They were warned that those who faltered in faith would become like dead, lifeless vines that men gather and cast into the fire (John 15:5-6).
What is the secret to a fruit-bearing life? (John 15:7-8)
A fruit-bearing branch must remain attached to a lifegiving vine; otherwise, it will wilt and die. The vine nourishes the branches, which fulfills its purpose when each branch bears fruit (branches that fail to bear fruit are pruned).
How do believers abide in the vine, which is Christ? By abiding and obeying Christ’s words (John 15:7a). Like the vine nourishes the branches that bear fruit, our lives bear fruit as we remain in God’s Word, and His Word saturates our hearts and thoughts.
What fruits are evident in a believer who abides in Christ?
A believer who abides in Christ will bear the fruit of the Spirit (“love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23Meekness, temperance,” Galatians 5:22-23), holiness (Romans 6:22), righteousness(Philippians 1:11), and love for fellow-believers (John 13:34-35).
Closing thoughts –
An incredible promise is given to those who abide in Christ, and His words abide in them: “Ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you” (John 15:7). Of course, the implication is that those who continue in God’s Words will pray in keeping with His Word and will.
The pinnacle desire of faithful believers is that our lives would “bear much fruit” and God the Father would be glorified (John 15:8). However, we can only bear spiritual fruit as we abide in Christ and His Words abide in us. Reading, studying, and meditating in God’s Word is the way to abiding in Christ. Only as we obey His Word can we enjoy its spiritual nourishment that bears much fruit.
Copyright © 2024 – Travis D. Smith
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